Health Inc stands for Health, Environment And Literacy in The Himalayas: In Cooperation with local communities. It facilitates grassroots initiatives in health, nutrition and education in remote villages in Ladakh. Past and current initiatives include:
– a women’s agricultural cooperative
– a creche for village youngsters
– equipping a school with library books and better insulation
– teaching basic physiotherapy for disabled people
– health education talks and books for illiterate villagers
– training for government teachers allocated to remote areas
Its projects are varied and bespoke, designed by the beneficiaries themselves and faciliated largely by a team of locals. Partnerships with each village last for at least 3 years, and Health Inc staff live in the villages for 8 months each year.
Health Inc was founded by one extraordinary lady, Cynthia Hunt, who now lives in Ladakh. Cynthia routinely walks for days at a time to get from one project to another, which she fondly refers to as her commute. Most other people undertake this journey with guides and packhorses.
The rest of the team are locals, most of whom were trained through Health Inc’s internship programme. The programme enables interns to complete their education and gain government jobs through which they can continue Health Inc’s work and share it with other areas.
It is hard to sum up almost 20 years of dedication on one page. Below are some weblinks to Health Inc, some of its partners, and some individuals who have worked with Health Inc. I hope you find it all as inspiring as I did.
Health Inc – main website
Ladakh Relief Fund – Health Inc’s response to the mudslides
Give2Asia – supporting micro-enterprises by women
Luxtreks – building solar lanterns
Morrow Productions – award-winning documentary on Health Inc’s work
The Travelling Librarian – setting up libraries in government schools
Tidlund Foundation – greenhouse crops for better nutrition (see Current Projects > Health Programs)
Vancouver to Ladakh Children’s Project – providing and training physical therapists for disabled children
Aaron Wieler 2008 – collaborating with Design for Development
Dr Tamara Blesh 2008 – collaborating with The Travelling Librarian
Prasad Naldurg 2009 – making a movie about mental illness
Russell Fraser 2007 – an ice hockey helper
Velan Foundation Award 2006 – news article
Velan Foundation – award website (see About > Social Responsibility)
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Edinburgh to London by bike 